Door lock devices and methods of use

Abstract

A door lock device includes a base plate and a pivot hook connected to the base plate that is configured to pivot about a pivot axis. A guard arm is connected to the base plate that extends past an end of the pivot hook such that the pivot hook rests against the guard arm when pivoted to an engaged position. The pivot hook is configured to be biased against guard arm due, at least in part, to a force applied by a chain connected to the pivot hook.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A door lock device comprising:
 a base plate;   a pivot hook connected to the base plate configured to pivot about a pivot axis; and   a guard arm connected to the base plate that extends past an end of the pivot hook such that the pivot hook rests against the guard arm when pivoted to an engaged position, the pivot hook configured to be biased against guard arm due, at least in part, to a force applied by a chain connected to the pivot hook.   
     
     
         2 . The door lock device of  claim 1 , wherein the pivot hook comprises a transverse portion that extends outward from the base plate and a lock portion that extends from the transverse portion of the pivot hook toward the guard arm. 
     
     
         3 . The door lock device of  claim 2 , wherein the guard arm comprises a transverse portion that extends outward from the base plate and over the transverse portion of the pivot hook and an interlock portion that extends outward from the transverse portion of the guard arm and past the end of the pivot hook. 
     
     
         4 . The door lock device of  claim 3 , wherein the pivot arm is configured to pivot from the engaged position to an open position to provide a gap between the end of the pivot hook and the interlock portion of the guard arm. 
     
     
         5 . The door lock device of  claim 1  further comprising a spring that biases the pivot hook toward the engaged position. 
     
     
         6 . A trailer comprising:
 a trailer door that is pivotally mounted to the trailer;   a door lock device comprising:
 a base plate mounted to the trailer; 
 a pivot hook connected to the base plate configured to pivot about a pivot axis; and 
 a guard arm connected to the base plate that extends past an end of the pivot hook such that the pivot hook rests against the guard arm when pivoted to an engaged position, the pivot hook configured to be biased against guard arm due, at least in part, to a force applied by a chain hooked to the pivot hook. 
   
     
     
         7 . The trailer of  claim 6 , wherein the pivot hook comprises a transverse portion that extends outward from the base plate and a lock portion that extends from the transverse portion of the pivot hook toward the guard arm. 
     
     
         8 . The trailer of  claim 7 , wherein the guard arm comprises a transverse portion that extends outward from the base plate and over the transverse portion of the pivot hook and an interlock portion that extends outward from the transverse portion of the guard arm and past the end of the pivot hook. 
     
     
         9 . The trailer of  claim 8 , wherein the pivot arm is configured to pivot from the engaged position to an open position to provide a gap between the end of the pivot hook and the interlock portion of the guard arm. 
     
     
         10 . The trailer of  claim 6  further comprising a spring that biases the pivot hook toward the engaged position. 
     
     
         11 . A method of securing a trailer door of a trailer door in an open position using a door lock device, the method comprising:
 mounting the door lock device to the trailer adjacent the trailer door, the door lock device comprising:
 a base plate configured to mount to the trailer; 
 a pivot hook connected to the base plate configured to pivot about a pivot axis; and 
 a guard arm connected to the base plate that extends past an end of the pivot hook such that the pivot hook rests against the guard arm when pivoted to an engaged position, the pivot hook configured to be biased against guard arm due, at least in part, to a force applied by a chain hooked to the pivot hook; 
   pivoting the pivot hook toward an open position providing a gap between the pivot hook and the guard arm;   placing a link of a flexible, elongated connector mounted to the trailer door around the pivot hook with the pivot hook in the open position; and   placing the pivot hook in the closed position and resting against the guard arm with the link around the pivot hook.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of placing the pivot hook in the closed position comprises biasing the pivot hook toward the closed position. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the pivot hook is biased toward the closed position by a spring.